Signed, Sealed, Scandalous

Chapter 22

At dawn, just before the door opened, Noah Kingsley instinctively hid in the nearby bushes.

Through the lush foliage, he saw Adrian Pierce holding an umbrella, shielding Sophia Sterling in his arms, not a single drop of rain touched her.

Her smile was unbearably sweet as she nestled close to Adrian, their intimacy leaving no room for anyone else.

A wave of crushing inadequacy washed over Noah, leaving him ashamed of his own insignificance.

Only long after the two had driven away did he finally emerge from the bushes.

He couldn't tell if the dampness at the corners of his eyes was tears or rain.

The downpour washed away the fallen leaves clinging to him, erasing any trace that he had ever been there.

By evening, Sophia returned home to find a box containing a jade bracelet at her doorstep.

A sticky note was attached, the handwriting bold and hurried:

"I'm sorry. This is my apology. If I could go back, I would have bid for your parents' heirlooms. Wishing you happiness. I won't disturb you again.

, Noah Kingsley"

Sophia stared at the words for a long moment before finally taking the box inside.

Then she turned to Adrian, nudging him. "Why aren't you opening the door?"

As they stepped inside, the door closed behind them.

Noah, still hidden in the bushes, was now weeping silently.

"Is this the only way I can apologize to you?"

"But the first half of my note was true. The second half was a lie."

"Sophia, I can't let go. I can't sincerely wish you happiness."

"Yet... if pretending makes you happy, I'll do it."

His whisper dissolved into the wind, unheard by anyone but himself.

How could years of love be dismissed with just a few hollow words?

His feelings for her had been real, but so were his mistakes and the pain he'd caused.

Unable to earn her forgiveness, he could only seek solace in this pitiful gesture.

In the end, even Noah didn't know how he managed to leave.

Back home, he packed his belongings. Just as he was about to step out, Ethan Kingsley stopped him.

"Noah, where are you going?" Ethan frowned in confusion.

Noah's expression was detached. "The esports club. I'm going into closed training for the next tournament."

"My age is a disadvantage now. If I want to win, I need to train harder."

With that, he walked out with his suitcase, never looking back.

Ethan stood frozen, an inexplicable emptiness settling over the house.

Before he could say anything else, Noah was already gone.

Clutching the evidence he'd gathered, Ethan's face darkened, his presence turning oppressive.

The moment he stepped inside, a delicate figure pressed against him.

His gaze turned icy as he subtly sidestepped Lily Wilson's touch.

"Ethan, Noah left so suddenly. I tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen. Do you think something's wrong?"

Her feigned concern made Ethan study her intently, as if trying to pierce through her lies.

Just then, Liam Kingsley emerged from behind Ethan, idly spinning his phone between his fingers.

"Worried about Noah? Maybe you should worry about yourself first."

"What?"

Lily forced a weak smile, her heart pounding as she feigned ignorance.